CAPTAIN BURNEY’S LACONIC LETTER AND INTERVIEW.
June.—I went again to the trial of poor Mr. Hastings: Mrs. Ord received from me my companion ticket, kindly giving up the Duke of Newcastle’s box to indulge me with her company.
But I must mention an extraordinary circumstance that happened in the last week. I received in a parcel—No, I will recite it you as I told it to Mr. Windham, who, fortunately, saw and came up to me—fortunately, I say, as the business of the day was very unedifying, and as Mrs. Ord much wished to hear some of his conversation.
He inquired kindly about James and his affairs, and if he had yet a ship; and, to let him see a person might reside in a Court, and yet have no undue influence, I related his proceedings with Lord Chatham, and his laconic letter and interview. The first running thus:—
“My Lord,—I should be glad of an audience; if your Lordship will be so good to appoint a time, I will wait upon you. I am, my Lord, your humble servant, James Burney.”
“And pray,” quoth I to James, when he told me this, “did you not say the honour of an audience?” “No,” answered he, “I was civil enough without that; I said, If you will be so good—that was very civil—and honour is quite left off now.”
How comic! to run away proudly from forms and etiquettes, and then pretend it was only to be more in the last mode. Mr. Windham enjoyed this characteristic trait very much; and he likes James so well that he deserved it, as well as the interview which ensued.
“How do you do, Captain Burney?”
“My lord, I should be glad to be employed.”
“You must be sensible, Captain Burney, we have many claimants just now, and more than it is possible to satisfy immediately.”